The article said Penang was arguably one of Asia’s best street food destinations. It offers a mix of traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes, as well as fusion cuisines such as Baba Nyonya, or Peranakan, which incorporates regional ingredients and Chinese and Malay cooking methods.

Association of Tourism Attrac­tions Penang chairman Ch’ng Huck Theng said the industry players and state government had been working very hard to protect and promote the beauty of the state.

“We are reaping the rewards after years of hard work. We are also placed on top of many other lists for our food, culture, arts and the people,” he said.

Penang Hawker Association chairman Lam Tong Ying said he was proud that Penang made it into the list, especially with emphasis on Penang’s hawker food.

“Penang serves the best street food in Malaysia, and this is not the only thing we have, we also have nice food, nice scenery, nice seaside and nice people.